Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has provided a positive update on the injury front ahead of this weekend’s Premier League meeting versus Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners have been hampered by numerous absentees especially in the defensive department, but ahead of the Palace game, Wenger confirmed that the likes of Laurent Koscielny and Nacho Monreal are back in first-team contention.
Meanwhile, Mesut Ozil is also suggested as a probable contender for the London derby, though Wenger was not entirely sure of the German’s participation in the weekend clash.
“We should have Koscielny back, we should have Monreal back available for Saturday. Maybe Ozil will be back as well. That’s the good news,” he told the club’s official website.
Despite the positive news, there are a couple of minor setbacks with Ainsley Maitland-Niles doubtful for the Eagles game with flu whilst Olivier Giroud is likely to another week at the least to recover from his hamstring issue.
He added: “From the last game at Bournemouth, we have some uncertainties with Maitland-Niles, who was sick yesterday with flu.Olivier Giroud is one week away.”
The Gunners lacked the cutting edge in the attacking department amid the absence of both Ozil and Alexis Sanchez in the previous outing, and the latter appears on the cusp of joining rivals Manchester United with a deal close to being finalised.
Meanwhile, Giroud’s situation at the Emirates has also been viewed with uncertainty with Wenger seemingly keen on the services of Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, which cost limit the Frenchman’s gametime further.
Giroud is alleged to have proposed in part-exchange deal for the Gabon international, though a final decision is likely to be made by the 31-year-old, who is said to favour remaining in the English capital.
Arsenal have a key League Cup semi-final second-leg versus Chelsea on Wednesday night, and Wenger will hope to make a couple of quick substitutions, should his side edge ahead of Palace early.
